Merry Christmas, everyone! It's been a busy, busy few months at Bright Star Farm. We've been blessed to host a number of really successful events, including our National Alpaca Farm Day in September, the Holistic Health Harvest Festival and Author Event in November, and a few workshops and classes along the way. 

Now it's time to really dig into the holiday season. It really is a wonderful time of year full of good food, time with family, and lots of celebration. But it can also get stressful.

Here at the farm, we've been wholeheartedly embracing the essential oils that God has brought into our lives. They've helped us sort out physical, mental, and emotional knots that come with daily life. Because we've enjoyed them so, we want to share our top holiday uses for essential oils with you.

• Stress relief. As much as you may love this time of year, it can also be a stressful time. Social obligations, financial worries, and growing to-do lists (including buying and wrapping all of those gifts) can put a strain on your joy. Young Living's oils are not only soothing to the mind, but they actually have stress-relieving properties, too. For instance, Stress Away, Valor, and Peace & Calming are essential oil blends that smell SO good! A dab on the wrists or a few drops in your diffuser can go a long way in helping you handle your anxiety.
• Skincare. Does anyone else get terribly dry, chapped skin in the winter? Yeah, it's not fun. It even makes simple tasks like washing the dishes uncomfortable. We've found that lavender works wonders for soothing stressed skin. It relieves cuts, burns, and even itchy rashes. Melrose also makes for smooth, soft skin, which is especially hard to get when it's cold outside!
• A good night's sleep. Okay, so maybe you don't have ANY trouble crashing when your head hits the pillow at night. But for those of us who do, certain oils can bring comfort and relief for us insomniacs. Peace & Calming and Lavender are great for slowing down and inducing sleep. You can use either one to make soothing pillow spray, too. Just a few drops of your chosen oil in a small, stainless steel spray bottle may help you doze off -- and make your pillow smell sweet, too.
• Air purification. Doesn't matter if you're trying to mask the scent of wet dogs or scorched pies, seriously. We've used Purification to eliminate all kinds of unpleasant odors, even down to a dirty dishwasher. What's even better? Orange, cinnamon bark, clove, and Thieves smell divine in the diffuser! Drop some of those in your diffuser while you're baking sugar cookies and it'll smell like Christmas in your house all month.
• Recipes. Orange, basil, cinnamon bark, rosemary -- there are so many oils to use in cooking and baking, which is really just another reminder of how versatile these little bottles can be. Whether you're cooking up a Christmas ham or a batch of brownies, there's probably an oil that will fit nicely into your recipe.

We can't help but share these oils, so let us know if you're interested in attending any of our upcoming classes here at the farm! We'll have Essential Oils 101and -- we're especially excited about this one -- Essential Oils of the Bible! Want to find out more? Let us know here! And while you're at it, be sure to share some of YOUR favorite ways to use essential oils during the holidays!

P.S. They make great gifts, too! 

It’s August, and in most parts of the country, that means it’s hot. Really hot. Especially here in the South. It’s the kind of hot that makes you want to sprawl out in the ice cream aisle with a pint of Phish Food. Luckily we have ways to stay cool and comfortable on these sticky summer days. But what about our pets?

House pets are the lucky ones who get to spend most of the day stretched out on the cool linoleum instead of panting in the sun. But farm animals are a different story. Though they’re often exposed to the elements, they don’t have to suffer. Here are a few ways to keep your animals cool during hot weather.

• Keep them well-hydrated. This is a no-brainer for pets and humans alike. One of the best ways to endure hot weather is to stay well-hydrated. It keeps the body cooled and functioning at its peak.
• Provide shelter and shade. Whether you have a barn or a big shade tree, giving your animals a place to escape from the midday sun is essential for keeping them cool.
• Give them showers. Hose your big guys (horses, donkeys, etc.) with lukewarm water regularly to keep them cool. For smaller critters, especially water-loving ducks, fill kiddy pool with cool water and allow them easy access.
• Provide ice packs for small animals. Rabbits and guniea pigs, for example, don't endure heat well. They should always be kept in a shaded hutch with plenty of water to drink. You can also wrap an ice pack in a towel or wash cloth to put in the cage for extra comfort. 
• Got chickens? Try mud baths! Run your hose out in a patchy area of the yard where you can stir up some cool mud for chickens. They may enjoy nestling down into the cool mud to escape the heat.

Be sure to watch for signs of heat stress in your animals such as panting, staggering, swollen tongue, trouble breathing, or vomiting blood. If you suspect your animal is getting overheated, cool them down and seek professional help immediately.

And don't forget about yourself! Humans are just as capable of experiencing heat stroke, so keep an eye on your own well-being, too. If you begin to feel sick in the heat, try using peppermint essential oil to alleviate nausea and combat heat exhaustion. Drink some cool peppermint tea or take a lukewarm bath infused with peppermint oil to cool your body down and lessen the effects of overheating. 

Is it hot there today? Make sure you pamper your animals for a bit to keep them cool, and make sure you stay hydrated, too!

Happy summer, everyone! 'Tis the season for beach trips, picnics, fireworks, cookouts, and...sunburn. Yep, if you've ever spent a few too many minutes in the sun, you know the pain and discomfort that sunburn can bring. It's enough to ruin any vacation.

Luckily, you don't have to let sunburn dictate whether or not you have a good time. Here are a few natural ways to stop the burning and soothe your skin.

Essential oils: Lavender, rose, frankincense, and chamomile are among the oils that can help heal sunburn. Young Living recently wrote a helpful article about DIY sunburn relief using essential oils, including a recipe for DIY sunscreen. While lavender is by far the most helpful oil, it can be combined with other ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda, to provide the best relief.

Cool milk compress: It just sounds refreshing, doesn't it? This is one of the easiest ways to soothe sunburn, and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen. All you need is a washcloth soaked in a cup of chilled milk to pat over your most painful burns. 

Witch hazel: This plant works wonders for the skin and has been used to treat acne, ingrown hairs, and sunburn. A few dabs of witch hazel on a washcloth or cotton ball will soothe the skin and decrease the burning. 

Oatmeal: Though the smell of oatmeal may bring you back to the chicken pox you had in second grade, it's actually a great way to calm irritated skin (obviously!) and ease some pain. And no, you don't necessarily have to take a bath in the stuff...unless that's your thing. You can just apply it to the areas where you need it most. 

Aloe vera: Last but not least, aloe is a tried and true way to relieve sunburn and cool the skin. In fact, aloe is often synonymous with sunburn as it has graced the cabinets of many homes for years...and for good reason. It works! Check out Humblebee & Me's recipe for Aloe & Silk Body Spray.

While using sunscreen should be the first method of prevention, sunburn happens even to the most careful of beach-goers. When it does, glance through your cupboard to see what remedies you already have on hand. 

Have you ever wondered which vegetables and herbs to plant seasonably to make the most of your garden? Naturally, certain plants thrive in the summer, while other cooler-weather plants wilt. Don’t waste your time tending to the wrong plants this summer. Instead, focus on these ten veggies and herbs for a garden that’s full to bursting with flavor!

Corn: A quintessential summer staple, corn on the cob is great to grill with burgers and other veggies. Corn requires proper hydration, so make sure you water it regularly, especially during dry patches.

Cucumbers: These thrive on sun, soil, and insects to thrive, making them a perfect fit for a summer garden. You can plant cucumber bushes in containers or plant cucumber vines directly in the ground—as long as you include a trellis for support.

Peppers: Like corn, grilled peppers are a great addition to any grill. They can also be planted early in the year. Make sure they stay consistently watered, and give them full access to the sun for optimal growth.

Okra: Another sun-loving plant, okra flourishes in hot weather—perfect for such a staple of southern cuisine. You can plant okra early in the year, but keep it inside until the end of June when the weather is warm enough to support its growth.

Tomatoes: Like okra, tomatoes can be planted inside and moved outside in consistently warm weather. These babies need hours of sun each day.

Basil:  It’s an annual herb that should be harvested regularly, so if you’re going to be out in the garden anyway thanks to the hot, sticky (I mean, delightfully warm) weather, why not pop some basil seeds in the ground? It’ll grow abundantly, and fresh basil is excellent on summer pasta dishes, cool salads, and classic Italian fares.

Dill: Did you know it’s actually a flower? Though it resembles Queen Anne's Lace, this flowering herb lends an excellent flavor to classic summer dishes like potato salad and fresh fish. Toss some into a bowl with some of your garden-grown cucumbers, a drizzle of olive oil, and some feta cheese for a refreshing side dish.

Cilantro: While cilantro requires some careful monitoring and clipping to keep hungry birds at bay, it’s a great summer herb with a distinct flavor for Mexican-inspired dishes and salsas.

Oregano: Like basil and cilantro, oregano thrives in hot weather and sunshine, making it an excellent choice for your summer herb garden. It’s also a versatile herb that can be used in everything from omelets to lasagna.

Rosemary: This classic herb also flourishes in heat and can be easily transplanted to larger pots, if needed. As an added bonus, it smells wonderful!

With a few complementary plants growing in your garden, you can put together full dishes without ever leaving your home. For instance, tomatoes, basil, and cucumbers chopped and mixed in a bowl make a bright, healthy salad. Add some fresh mozzarella and you’ve got a unique spin on the classic caprese salad.

Happy planting!

You've heard about them already, right? Essential oils? You can put use them to make household cleaners, skin care products, makeup, healthy remedies, and more...not to mention, just one whiff can change your whole mood. They're like little miracle workers, if you think about it!

If you've been curious about essential oils or hoping to learn more, you're in lots of luck. Connie Carlton, CCC-SLP and owner of Bright Star Farm, is now an official Young Living Essential Oils distributor and can attest to the benefits of using essential oils. 

We'll soon be hosting workshops at the farm to help you learn more about how to incorporate these high-quality oils into your everyday life. We'll have more information coming soon, so stay tuned!

There is no easy way to lose something you love, especially when that "something" is a beloved pet who has stolen your heart.

Since this year began, Bright Star Farm has lost three important members of our animal family. Back in January, we said goodbye to sweet Twink, one our our miniature horses and first additions to the farm way back when we began. She was 27 years old and lived a long, happy life here at the farm with her "husband" Kiwi and all of their kids, who have become irreplaceable parts of our grand farm family.

Last month, we said goodbye to Lorenzo the llama, who had a full personality and lent plenty of humor to everyone who stopped by.

And last night, we said goodbye to Spice, our sweet (but stubborn) pygmy goat who's been part of our family just as long as Twink. In fact, we made a trip to New Jersey over ten years ago to pick the two of them up and bring them to the hot, sunny South together. 

While there's no easy way to lose a pet, the best thing anyone can hope for is a peaceful death. And despite a few prior weeks of sickness for Twink, that's exactly what they all had -- a seamless ease into the great sleep, where their bodies can rest while their spirits find home in wide open fields of sweet grass and warm sun. 

We'll miss you, Twink, and we're thankful for your careful mothering and presence over the years. And we'll miss you, Lorenzo and Spice, and we're thankful for your large personalities and loving spirits always.

We've been dreaming a lot lately at Bright Star Farm, bursting with creative ideas for products, goods, and ideas to create and sell, not only here at the farm but in other outlets, too. 

A recent trip to Wild Birds Unlimited in New Bern proved that others are latching onto our ideas. In fact, they've even asked to feature our Alpaca Fleece Nesting Balls made from 100% natural fleece from our very own alpacas here at the farm. 

So what are nesting balls, anyway? Nesting balls essentially provide fodder for bird nests. Hang one outside and watch as birds pull the contents of the nesting ball -- often horse hair, feathers, or alpaca fleece -- out to build nests of their own. And anyone who knows birds knows they're very resourceful. They'll use whatever they can to create safe, comfortable nests for their little ones.

They're also a great way to attract birds to your home, which is especially appealing to avid bird watchers and nature lovers. Plus, now that we're coming into warmer weather, it's the perfect time to hang one near your back porch and watch birds light on the rail to pull resources for their nests. 

We're very excited and grateful to Wild Birds Unlimited for taking an interest and agreeing to sell our products for us. Make sure you stop by to pick one up and support the store (and the farm!). They're rustic and affordable, and they'll be a great addition to your back yard.

If you've got some flowers left over from Valentine's Day or a recent birthday celebration (or even if you just like having fresh flowers around!), don't throw them away. Try using them differently by making an easy rose & coffee sugar scrub!

This scrub is SO easy and affordable to make. I didn't even have to go to the store for any extra ingredients. Simply  use the petals of a flower (I used a rose), some baby oil (you could also use olive oil), some sugar, and a little bit of ground coffee for that extra kick of caffeine (to kick cellulite's butt!). 

Yes! The recipe is easy to customize, so use what suits you best. It's a great combination of smoothing and exfoliating (thanks to the baby oil and the sugar), and it smells nice to boot. Next time you're stuck inside on a rainy day, 

To read the original post including the recipe, click here. 

If you've ever wondered how an animal as strange as an alpaca could possibly be a good investment, consider this.

The Alpaca industry is new to the U.S.," says alpaca farmer Barbie Tilton. "The growing industry is good news for people looking for American-grown and American-made products from their local farms."

It's certainly true that more and more consumers are looking to localize their buying to support small businesses and Mom'n'Pop ventures in exchange for many of the mass-produced goods brought from overseas. Aside from embracing a heart of loyalty for local producers and businesses, most home-grown items have a rustic, original appeal -- and lots of folks prefer that.

In addition to satisfying consumers with a deepening loyalty to local businesses, alpacas provide an excellent return on investment because their fiber is more versatile than sheep wool or cotton. It comes in over 20 colors naturally, which reduces dye costs and, again, provides a smidgen of rustic charm. 

“There are a lot of old mills, family-owned, multi-generational mills, that are small, that are willing to work in the specialty environment," says Chris Riley, president of the New England Alpaca Fiber Pool. As a result, a lot of those old mills are being revitalized. 


As a small alpaca farm with fiber-producing capabilities, Bright Star Farm is on the leading edge of the textile trend. In fact, shearing is coming up in April, and soon we'll have plenty of fiber for crafting handmade goods that will soon be available for sale.

I love to cook, but I'm not a food blogger because I spend more time following others' recipes than creating my own. I wish I had more time to cook and bake, but that's a different story. (Besides, my family would be way too sugared-out.) 

Back when my husband and I were just dating, I made Oreo truffles for him. They were among the first things I made for him and he fell in love -- first with them, then with me. (Thank goodness!) Anyhow, those truffles have become a staple in our house.

THESE ones are a bit different, though. They're lemony, sweet, and just about bite-sized. 

Here's what you need:

• One package of cheap lemon sandwich cookies
• One 8 oz. package of cream cheese
• White chocolate chips for melting

Not only are they easy to make, they're also a really affordable dessert fix, and they're just as easily customizable. I think these would be great as just about anything -- key lime, caramel, mint chocolate chip, you name it. Just depends on your preference. 

Perfection!